Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Mohamed Ramadan Gomaa; Njoud Hussein Alhabahbh; Mohammed Abbas Al-Nawafleh
Abstract
This research reviews various studies on the effect of using nanofluids in evacuated tube solar collectors (ETSC). The initial segment of this study elaborates on the importance of using the ETSCs and categorizes these collectors in terms of classification and application. The second segment evaluates ...
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This research reviews various studies on the effect of using nanofluids in evacuated tube solar collectors (ETSC). The initial segment of this study elaborates on the importance of using the ETSCs and categorizes these collectors in terms of classification and application. The second segment evaluates the physical properties of nanofluids incorporated in the solar system collector and presents some applications of nanofluids. The last segment of the research reviews the works of a group of researchers who have already applied nanofluids to evacuated tube solar collectors for various purposes, including increasing the heat transfer coefficient and improving efficiency. Among the prevalent nanofluids employed in solar applications, Al2O3, CuO, and TiO2 feature prominently, whereas Ag, WO3, and CeO2 find limited application in the solar context. Furthermore, nanofluids within the size range of 1–25 nm, 25–50 nm, and 50–100 nm constitutes 54%, 25%, and 11% of the applications, respectively. Particularly noteworthy, the single-walled carbon nanotubes/water (SWCNT/water) heat pipe showcases the most remarkable efficiency enhancement, achieving an impressive 93.43% improvement.
Advanced Energy Technologies
Subramanian Kumaravel; Nagaraj MeenakshiSunadaram; Govindarajan Bharathiraja
Abstract
In this research, a piece of copper scrap was placed in the 1m × 1m base of a single-slope solar still. An automated system steadily dripped salt water into the basin of the solar still. The experiment utilized dripping salt water and energy storage materials such as copper and brass scrap. Research ...
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In this research, a piece of copper scrap was placed in the 1m × 1m base of a single-slope solar still. An automated system steadily dripped salt water into the basin of the solar still. The experiment utilized dripping salt water and energy storage materials such as copper and brass scrap. Research has shown that the presence of copper scrap in the basin, combined with a shallow layer of salt water, has a significant impact on the distillate output. However, the high thermal capacity of the salt water in the basin can lead to reduced production. As more salt water is added to the basin, the temperature difference between the water inside and the glass cover increases. Based on the experimental results, the calculated yield is satisfactory, and the overall thermal efficiency remains at 71.3%. The production rate is also influenced by the diffusion process on the south-facing condensing cover. The temperatures of water, glass, and air, as well as their combined effects, are measured and analyzed.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Mohamed Chouidira; Nabila Ihaddadene; Razika Ihaddadene; Jed Mohamed El Hacen; Younes Kherbiche
Abstract
The study explores the impact of surface orientation and tilt on incident solar irradiation. It was conducted in M'Sila, an Algerian province, from February to June. A number of experiments were carried out using an experimental setup consisting of a heliometer and a slant changer, which allowed for ...
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The study explores the impact of surface orientation and tilt on incident solar irradiation. It was conducted in M'Sila, an Algerian province, from February to June. A number of experiments were carried out using an experimental setup consisting of a heliometer and a slant changer, which allowed for the variation of the tilt angle. Nineteen tilt angles ranging from 0° to 90° were investigated for the four main directions: North, South, East, and West. The obtained outcomes were statistically analyzed. At east and south orientations, incident solar irradiance rose as a function of tilt angle, reaching a maximum at the optimal angle, and then gradually decreased. Generally, the incident solar irradiance decreased as the tilt angle increased in the case of west and north orientations. The tilt angle of the exposed surface as well as the sun's elevation in the sky affected the amount of intercepted energy significantly at each orientation (p<0.05). When the sun was low in the sky, the south orientation was most preferred for an inclination greater than or equal to 25°. The north-facing surfaces with steep slopes (β³ 55°) received the least amount of solar radiation. These results hold great importance, particularly in the building sector, as they can be utilized to achieve energy saving.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Chunhyun Paik; Yongjoo Chung; Young Jin Kim
Abstract
The power generation sector accounts for a significant portion of GHG emissions, and many countries strive for the large-scale adoption of renewable generation. Although the intermittent nature of renewables brings about complications in energy system planning, the share of renewable generations is increasing ...
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The power generation sector accounts for a significant portion of GHG emissions, and many countries strive for the large-scale adoption of renewable generation. Although the intermittent nature of renewables brings about complications in energy system planning, the share of renewable generations is increasing to the greatest extent. The wind generation has drawn increasing attention to expanding the use of renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions from the power generation sector, and the estimation of capacity factor is crucial in energy system modeling. This study develops a mathematical model for estimating the capacity factor of a wind farm with the consideration of outage probability of individual turbines. In addition, the power curves and wind speed distribution of the wind farm need to be estimated, which is demonstrated with a wind farm in Korea. It is asserted that the proposed method may render the wind farm capacity factor effectively. Thus, the results from this study can be useful for energy system modeling involving wind generations.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Dnyaneshwar S. Malwad; Deepak C. Sonawane
Abstract
Preserving food from harvest to consumer level is a challenge in the agriculture sector. Drying is a crucial post-harvest technique that lowers moisture to levels suitable for storage. Solar drying is a traditional renewable energy drying process. Different solar drying methods have been developed to ...
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Preserving food from harvest to consumer level is a challenge in the agriculture sector. Drying is a crucial post-harvest technique that lowers moisture to levels suitable for storage. Solar drying is a traditional renewable energy drying process. Different solar drying methods have been developed to speed up the drying process and maintain the product's nutritious content. Indirect solar drying is one of the efficient drying methods that has better control over the drying temperature. Indirect solar drying has developed into a desirable, effective, and environmentally responsible drying technique when combined with solar collectors and thermal storage. Flat plates, evacuated tubes, and concentrated solar collectors are used in indirect solar dryers along with direct air heating or thermal storage systems. This study aims to review the improvement in the drying rate with different air heating mechanisms. Flat plate collectors with liquid working fluid are employed to heat the air, whereas in evacuated tube collectors, the air is directly heated passing through the tubes. Working fluids, air temperature, air velocity, and solar radiation are important dryer parameters affecting the drying rate. The paper also discusses the usage of heat storage devices for continuous drying operations. The drying time is greatly reduced through integration with latent and sensible storage technologies. Products that have been dried using indirect solar dryer and appropriate drying models are tabulated. Aspects of indirect solar drying and challenges in drying time reduction are also reported.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Saeed Karimian Aliabadi; Saber Rezaey
Abstract
The INVELOX system is an innovative approach that offers improved energy absorption efficiency from wind flow and reduced costs by utilizing smaller wind turbines. This research focuses on investigating the steady-state performance of one, two, or three wind turbines arranged within the venturi section ...
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The INVELOX system is an innovative approach that offers improved energy absorption efficiency from wind flow and reduced costs by utilizing smaller wind turbines. This research focuses on investigating the steady-state performance of one, two, or three wind turbines arranged within the venturi section of the system. A comprehensive modeling approach using an improved Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory is proposed and implemented as a MATLAB code. The code incorporates Prandtl's tip and hub loss factors, as well as turbulent wake corrections. The accuracy of the code is validated against experimental and numerical data. The results demonstrate that in a three-rotor tandem configuration in the INVELOX system, the power extracted from the second and third turbines is 0.54 and 0.24 times the power of the first turbine, respectively. Furthermore, for a two-turbine arrangement in the venturi section, the total power extracted from the system is 53.9% higher than that of a single turbine layout. In the case of a three-turbine configuration, the total power increases up to 1.78 times compared to a single turbine. The proposed model is suitable for geometric optimization and parameter studies. The system's performance is evaluated in terms of tip speed ratio, and the effects of different correction models are analyzed, including the local changes in forces and moments.
Renewable Energy Economics, Policies and Planning
Adewale George Adeniyi; Kingsley O. Iwuozor; Ebuka Chizitere Emenike; Comfort Adeyanju; Samuel Ogunniyi
Abstract
Polystyrene waste is a significant environmental problem, and recycling and repurposing it can reduce its impact on the environment. Chicken feather biochar, on the other hand, is a by-product of the poultry industry and can be repurposed to produce bio-composites. The goal of this work was to turn waste ...
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Polystyrene waste is a significant environmental problem, and recycling and repurposing it can reduce its impact on the environment. Chicken feather biochar, on the other hand, is a by-product of the poultry industry and can be repurposed to produce bio-composites. The goal of this work was to turn waste chicken feathers into biochar and then, create composites with the biochar acting as the filler and a polystyrene-based resin acting as the matrix. The biochar was prepared with the aid of a top-lit updraft reactor. Composites were fabricated using different mixing ratios of biochar (10-40%) and polystyrene resin. The composites were then analyzed using FTIR, SEM-EDX, and hardness tests. SEM examination demonstrated that the biochar was distributed unevenly throughout the matrix. The alterations and shifts in peak positions shown by FTIR measurement indicated that there was a chemical interaction between the matrix and the biochar. It also revealed the hydrophilic nature of the composite. Hardness test showed that 20% biochar concentration gave the optimum hardness property (139 HRB). The EDX result demonstrated that the matrix as well as the composites consisted majorly of carbon atoms. The results of this study indicate the potential of using chicken feather biochar as a filler material to improve the mechanical and microstructural properties of recycled polystyrene-based bio-composites. This approach can provide a sustainable and environmentally-friendly solution to repurpose waste materials from poultry and plastic industries.
Advanced Energy Technologies
Mubarak A. Amoloye; Sulyman A. Abdulkareem; Adewale George Adeniyi
Abstract
The drive to move away from fossil fuels and related products has drawn significant attention to biomass and biomass-related products in recent times. This study reports the effect of three forest biomass sources namely acacia auriculiformis, terminalia randii, and delonix regia as combustion fuels in ...
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The drive to move away from fossil fuels and related products has drawn significant attention to biomass and biomass-related products in recent times. This study reports the effect of three forest biomass sources namely acacia auriculiformis, terminalia randii, and delonix regia as combustion fuels in a retort heated, low-temperature and top-lit updraft gasifier on biochars produced from two agricultural wastes: corn husk and corn cob. The combustion fuels were characterized using Thermogravimetric/Differential thermogravimetric analysis. Their TGA data were fitted to 16 kinetic models using the Coats-Redfern method. Characterization of the products was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy. Results revealed similar decomposition trends for combustion fuels. Different kinetic models predicted decomposition mechanisms of combustion fuels for the regions considered. Negative correlation was found between biochar yields and increasing carbonization temperatures with yields ranging from 64.6-37.8 % and 28.4-24.5% for corn husk and cob, respectively. Results indicate similar effects of combustion fuels on functional groups contained in biochar samples.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Zaiba Ishrat; Ankur Kumar Gupta; Seema Nayak
Abstract
The rapid rise in electrical energy demand and the depletion of fossil fuels have created a market for renewable energy. Among all the renewable energy resources, the most popular is solar energy, perceived as pollution-free, easily accessible, and low maintenance. In non-uniform solar irradiation or ...
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The rapid rise in electrical energy demand and the depletion of fossil fuels have created a market for renewable energy. Among all the renewable energy resources, the most popular is solar energy, perceived as pollution-free, easily accessible, and low maintenance. In non-uniform solar irradiation or partial shading conditions (PSC), the photovoltaic characteristics (PVC) of a solar panel system (SPS) exhibit multiple minor peaks (MP) with one global peak power point (GPPP). To extract the utmost energy from the SPS, the authors proposed an efficient hybrid algorithm integrating the advantages of machine learning and the classical algorithm fractional open circuit voltage (FOVA) to track the GPPP. To follow the GPPP of SPS under unstable environmental surroundings, this study tests ML-based hybrid MPPT algorithms, specifically squared multiple variable linear regression algorithms (SMVLRA), using Matlab/Simulink. Simulation through Matlab is employed to validate the efficiency of the SMVLRA-MPPT approach compared to existing popular conventional and modern MPPT algorithms, namely the Perturb and Observation algorithm (P&OA), the variable step size incremental conductance (VINC) algorithm, and an intelligent algorithm, Decision Tree Regression Algorithm (DTRA). The simulation results demonstrate that SMVLRA offers higher peak power and mean peak power efficiency in less tracking time, with lower error and almost negligible steady-state fluctuation under PSC. The proposed algorithm achieves 99.99% efficiency under standard test conditions (1000w/m2, 25°C), 99.95% under PSC1 (1000w/m2, 800w/m2, 25°C), and 98.89% under PSC2 (1000w/m2, 800w/m2, 600w/m2, 25°C)
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Yuvaperiyasamy M; Senthilkumar N; Deepanraj B
Abstract
This experimental study investigates the performance of single-slope solar desalination with finned pond with varying glass cover angle, water depth, usage of sensible and latent heat materials for four different saline water types. Conventional solar stills (CSS) produces less distillate and hence some ...
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This experimental study investigates the performance of single-slope solar desalination with finned pond with varying glass cover angle, water depth, usage of sensible and latent heat materials for four different saline water types. Conventional solar stills (CSS) produces less distillate and hence some design changes are made by integrating finned pond in conventional solar still (CSS-FP) apart from filling paraffin wax and bricks inside the solar still that enhances the thermal storage capacity. The solar still is constructed with galvanized steel for the base and side walls, while the basin is covered with tempered glass whereas the thermal conductivity is improved by applying a black paint on the sides. The finned pond enhances the heat absorption and distribution process, consequently increasing the evaporation rate within the still. The experiment was done in Pongalur, Tamil Nadu, India (10.9729° N, 77.3698° E), the maximum distillate production is achieved at a 35° glass cover angle and a 7 cm water depth. Desalination is done for four saline liquids: bore water (BW), seawater (SW), leather industry wastewater (LW), and plastic industry wastewater (PW). BW exhibits the highest yield due to its lower density and salinity. The chemical analysis of desalinated water suggests its suitability for home use; the economic research reveals a payback period of 230 days, confirming the solar still's financial feasibility. Hence, it is concluded that the proposed CSS-FP can increase productivity compared to the CSS under different conditions.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Sara taheri; Ahmadreza Faghih Khorasani; Mohsen Mozafari Shamsib
Abstract
Desalination stands out as a prominent method for obtaining fresh water from saltwater sources. The focus of this study revolves around a dehumidifier-dehumidifier system within a closed air-open water desalination framework, exploring two distinct modes: one without integration with solar collectors ...
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Desalination stands out as a prominent method for obtaining fresh water from saltwater sources. The focus of this study revolves around a dehumidifier-dehumidifier system within a closed air-open water desalination framework, exploring two distinct modes: one without integration with solar collectors and the other incorporating solar collectors.Optimal conditions emerged with a fresh water circulation rate of 3 L/min and an incoming salt water flow rate of 1 L/min, resulting in a commendable maximum recovery ratio of 5.33%. Subsequently, in these optimal operating conditions, photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) panels were introduced to the desalination system, yielding insightful results. The output gain ratio (GOR), indicating the efficiency of converting heat to water evaporation, was 0.78 without connecting panels and 0.48 when panels were integrated. With panels connected, the desalination system achieved a peak fresh water production of 2.04 L/hr. Notably, the humidifier tower exhibited an impressive efficiency of 97%, while the dehumidifier tower operated at 40%. The solar collectors contributed significantly, meeting approximately 10% of the system's heating requirements and satisfying 7.3% of its electrical needs. The findings underscore the viability of integrating solar technology into desalination systems, showcasing not only increased fresh water output but also a noteworthy reduction in reliance on conventional energy sources. This innovative approach aligns with the global pursuit of sustainable and efficient water management solutions.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Sagiraju Dileep Kumar Varmaa; Duvvuri Sri Satya Sita Rama Sarathbabu; Koduri Omkar; Malladi Venkata Srikanth
Abstract
The widespread integration of wind energy poses numerous challenges, including ride-through capability issues, stability concerns, and power quality issues within the utility grid. Additionally, the inherent non-linear nature of wind energy systems, coupled with internal dynamics like model uncertainties, ...
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The widespread integration of wind energy poses numerous challenges, including ride-through capability issues, stability concerns, and power quality issues within the utility grid. Additionally, the inherent non-linear nature of wind energy systems, coupled with internal dynamics like model uncertainties, non-linearities, parametric variations, modeling errors, and external disturbances, significantly impacts system performance. Therefore, developing a robust controller becomes imperative to address the complexity, non-linearity, coupling, time variation, and uncertainties associated with wind energy systems, aiming to enhance transient performance in the presence of external and internal disturbances. The research presented in this manuscript focuses on devising a robust control scheme for a grid-tied Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) wind turbine. The objective is to improve the wind turbine's performance under both normal and abnormal grid conditions. The innovation in Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) lies in its capacity to offer robust, adaptive, and disturbance-rejecting capabilities without relying on precise mathematical models. This quality makes ADRC a valuable and innovative tool for addressing challenges in complex and dynamic real-world applications where system parameters evolve over time. The wind energy system is inherently non-linear, time-varying, cross-coupled, and highly uncertain. It is also susceptible to parameter uncertainties, parametric variations, and external grid disturbances, all of which significantly influence its performance. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is validated to enhance ride-through capability and extract maximum power under internal disturbances, external grid disturbances, and parametric variations. To assess the proposed controller's efficacy, a comparative analysis is conducted using the Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE) index for all abnormal grid disturbances. This analysis is performed in comparison to a Proportional Resonant Controller and a PI controller, providing evidence of the proposed controller's effectiveness. In summary, the incorporation of an Active Disturbance Rejection Controller emerges as a promising solution for enhancing the Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) and High Voltage Ride-Through (HVRT) capabilities of grid-tied Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG)-based wind energy systems.
Advanced Energy Technologies
Mahdi Saadati pour; Mona Zamani Pedram
Abstract
This abstract offers a comprehensive review of recent advancements in Graphene Carbon Nitride (GCN) as a highly promising electrode material for supercapacitors. GCN boasts exceptional advantages, including abundant availability, a metal-free composition, high nitrogen content, and remarkable environmental ...
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This abstract offers a comprehensive review of recent advancements in Graphene Carbon Nitride (GCN) as a highly promising electrode material for supercapacitors. GCN boasts exceptional advantages, including abundant availability, a metal-free composition, high nitrogen content, and remarkable environmental sensitivity. These unique characteristics have positioned GCN at the forefront of research in energy storage and supercapacitor electrode materials. However, despite its potential, GCN faces challenges concerning limited specific capacity and energy density. To address these limitations, this review, as the first and most comprehensive in its field, focuses on innovative and novel development methods, particularly the strategic formation of nanostructures in 1, 2, and 3 dimensions. A notable finding of this review is the tremendous promise of 3D structures in enhancing the electrochemical properties of GCN as a supercapacitor electrode. A critical research gap in other review articles is the absence of comprehensive and innovative literature investigating nanostructures (1D, 2D, and 3D) with novel synthesis methods for using GCN as a supercapacitor electrode. This underscores the pressing need for further scholarly investigation in this area, as addressed by this review article. Overall, this professional review not only provides a comprehensive overview of advancements in GCN as a supercapacitor electrode material but also offers valuable guidance for researchers in the field. It highlights the importance of utilizing environmentally friendly synthesis techniques for fabricating multidimensional nanostructures, illuminating novel research directions and pioneering investigations. This empowers researchers to advance the utilization of GCN in energy storage applications.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Nikita Gupta; Sagar Mahajan Bhaskar; Sanjay Kumar; Dhafer Almakhles; Tarun Panwar; Abhinav Banyal; Aanandita Sharma; Akanksha Nadda
Abstract
The sun serves as the primary energy source, providing our planet with the essential energy for sustaining life. To efficiently harness this energy, photovoltaic cells, commonly known as PV cells, are employed. These cells convert the solar energy they receive into electrical energy. The operational ...
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The sun serves as the primary energy source, providing our planet with the essential energy for sustaining life. To efficiently harness this energy, photovoltaic cells, commonly known as PV cells, are employed. These cells convert the solar energy they receive into electrical energy. The operational point of the solar cell, delivering maximum output power, is referred to as the maximum power point (MPP). However, as light availability and temperature fluctuate throughout the day, the MPP also varies accordingly. To maintain constant operation at the MPP, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms are employed to trace the MPP during module operation. These algorithms can be categorized into four groups: classical, intelligent, optimization, and hybrid, based on the tracking algorithm utilized. Each MPPT algorithm, existing in these categories, comes with its own set of advantages and limitations. This paper extensively reviews fifteen algorithms categorized under different groups. The review concludes with a comparative analysis of these algorithms, considering various parameters such as cost, complexity, tracking accuracy, and sensed parameters in a succinct manner. The paper focuses on elucidating the necessity of MPPT algorithms, their classification as per existing literature, and a comparative assessment of the studied MPPT algorithms. This comprehensive review aims to address advancements in this field, paving the way for further research.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Divya Bisen; Ashish Pratap Singh Chouhan; Raja Mohan Sakthivel
Abstract
Recently, waste materials have garnered attention for their potential in providing clean and affordable energy through thermochemical conversion techniques. They play a significant role in transforming waste into eco-friendly energy, but the proper selection of materials is crucial for successful thermochemical ...
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Recently, waste materials have garnered attention for their potential in providing clean and affordable energy through thermochemical conversion techniques. They play a significant role in transforming waste into eco-friendly energy, but the proper selection of materials is crucial for successful thermochemical conversion. The primary objective of this study is to assess combustion efficiency based on activation energy, utilizing TGA and DTG analysis. Rice husk (RH), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste materials were chosen for investigation. Experiments were conducted at temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 600 °C, with varying heating rates of 10, 20, 30, and 40 °C min-1. The apparent activation energy of the feedstocks was determined using five different iso-conversional model-free approaches, namely Kissinger Akahira Sunose (KAS), Friedman, Flynn Wall Ozawa (FWO), Starink, and Tang methods. The apparent activation energy for rice husk, LDPE, and PET fell within the range of 113-123 kJ mol-1, 101-101 kJ mol-1and105-117kJmol-1, respectively This research also contributes to establishing Comprehensive Pyrolysis Index (CPI) values to identify suitable sources for pyrolysis and gasification. According to CPI results, temperatures between 500 to 600 °C are optimal for pyrolysis, and an increase in heating rate enhances the output of pyrolysis products. A higher CPI index is favorable for achieving both a high calorific value and increased hydrocarbon contents.
Environmental Impacts and Sustainability
Nima Amani
Abstract
Building insulation stands out as one of the most widely employed strategies to enhance energy efficiency in the building sector. Increasing the thickness of thermal insulation is a conventional approach to meet the design requirements of these structures. In this study, a novel approach to augment the ...
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Building insulation stands out as one of the most widely employed strategies to enhance energy efficiency in the building sector. Increasing the thickness of thermal insulation is a conventional approach to meet the design requirements of these structures. In this study, a novel approach to augment the thermal resistance of external building walls is explored by simultaneously employing multiple thermal insulation materials, comparing this with a single-layer insulation setup. Three typical insulation materials with varying thicknesses are utilized to create a three-layer insulation system, which is applied to a case study involving a house-like cubicle situated in the 3B climate zone per ASHRAE 169-2006. The findings indicate that merely increasing the thickness of a single-layer insulation does not invariably yield optimal solutions. The results emphasize that the consideration of multi-layer insulation systems can establish a continuous decision-making space, enabling the identification of at least one insulation scenario aligned with design requirements. To facilitate designers in the initial stages of thermal insulation design, a rapid and simplified design model has been developed based on the results. The methodology proposed in this study is generalizable and can be applied to all climate zones, offering a comprehensive design tool without the need for intricate calculations.
Advanced Energy Technologies
Hassan Z. Al Garni; Arunachalam Sundaram; Anjali Awasthi; Rahul Chandel; Salwan Tajjour; Shyam Singh Chandel
Abstract
A major design challenge for a grid-integrated photovoltaic power plant is to generate maximum power under varying loads, irradiance, and outdoor climatic conditions using competitive algorithm-based controllers. The objective of this study is to review experimentally validated advanced maximum power ...
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A major design challenge for a grid-integrated photovoltaic power plant is to generate maximum power under varying loads, irradiance, and outdoor climatic conditions using competitive algorithm-based controllers. The objective of this study is to review experimentally validated advanced maximum power point tracking algorithms for enhancing power generation. A comprehensive analysis of 14 of the most advanced metaheuristics and 17 hybrid homogeneous and heterogeneous metaheuristic techniques is carried out, along with a comparison of algorithm complexity, maximum power point tracking capability, tracking frequency, accuracy, and maximum power extracted from PV systems. The results show that maximum power point tracking controllers mostly use conventional algorithms; however, metaheuristic algorithms and their hybrid variants are found to be superior to conventional techniques under varying environmental conditions. The Grey Wolf Optimization, in combination with Perturb & Observe, and Jaya-Differential Evolution, is found to be the most competitive technique. The study shows that standard testing and evaluation procedures can be further developed for comparing metaheuristic algorithms and their hybrid variants for developing advanced maximum power point tracking controllers. The identified algorithms are found to enhance power generation by grid-integrated commercial solar power plants. The results are of importance to the solar industry and researchers worldwide.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Mahdi Pourbafrani; Hossein Ghadamian; Mohammad Aminy; Meisam Moghadasi; Masoud Mardani; Mohammad Akrami; Amir houshang Khaki; Seyed Mohammad Kazem Sadr
Abstract
Evacuated tube solar collectors (ETSC) are widely utilized in both domestic and industrial solar water heaters (SWH) due to their commendable thermal performance and straightforward installation. However, a significant challenge associated with ETSC lies in the fact that half of the collector remains ...
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Evacuated tube solar collectors (ETSC) are widely utilized in both domestic and industrial solar water heaters (SWH) due to their commendable thermal performance and straightforward installation. However, a significant challenge associated with ETSC lies in the fact that half of the collector remains unexposed to sunlight. To overcome this limitation, parabolic reflectors can be employed as a viable solution. The primary objective of this study is to assess the performance of a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) in conjunction with ETSC, taking into account a specific ratio between the areas of the CPC and ETSC. To achieve the desired configuration, the CPC was meticulously designed, fabricated, installed, and subsequently tested. Moreover, the energy performance of the absorber tube was scrutinized both with and without the integration of a parabolic trough collector. The experiments and data collection were conducted on two selected days for both the conventional ETSC device and the system incorporating the CPC. Meteorological data and operational conditions were measured and digitally stored for subsequent analysis. A noteworthy outcome of the study is the revelation that the energy efficiency of the system with a concentrator exhibited a notable improvement of 2.8% compared to the conventional system. Offline results further indicated that the performance of a single absorber tube with a concentrator increased by approximately 2.7 times when compared to the standard system. This suggests that the energy performance of the solar water heater, with a capacity of about 200 liters and featuring 7 absorber tubes with a concentrator, is comparable to that of the conventional system equipped with 18 absorber tubes.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Tsutomu Dei; Hossen Iddi Kayumba; Julius Agaka Yusufu
Abstract
This research explores biomass gasification for power generation in rural areas of developing countries, utilizing a 20 kW U-flow-shaped gasification system developed at Ashikaga University. While small-scale power systems typically rely on reciprocating or modified diesel engines, which face issues ...
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This research explores biomass gasification for power generation in rural areas of developing countries, utilizing a 20 kW U-flow-shaped gasification system developed at Ashikaga University. While small-scale power systems typically rely on reciprocating or modified diesel engines, which face issues due to tar produced by biomass gasifiers, this study employed a piston-less rotary engine. Performance evaluations were conducted at various engine speeds and gasifier operational modes, demonstrating continuous power generation for approximately six hours. Improved maintenance of rotary engines could benefit rural users, with potential efficiency gains through thermal energy recovery, although tar filtration needs enhancement. The experimental findings reveal continuous power generation for approximately six hours under both operational conditions, with the closed-top operation outperforming the open-top counterpart in terms of power output. However, control over power output and gasifier temperatures is more straightforward in the open-top operation. Gasifier performance was assessed based on fuel consumption rate and system efficiency, with consumption rates varying by rotary engine speed, measuring 2.0 kWh/kg at 2800 rpm and 2.3 kWh/kg at 3200 rpm, and 2.9 kWh/kg at 3600 rpm. Cold gas efficiency of the U-shaped gasifier was 63.4%, and energy conversion efficiency reached 9.4% at 2800 rpm operation. At 3200 rpm operation, cold gas efficiency improved to 79.8%, but energy conversion efficiency decreased to 7.3%. The rotary engine's energy conversion efficiency was lower than that of a gas engine. Nonetheless, if the rotary engine reduces maintenance needs, it could benefit rural users. Efficiency can be improved through thermal energy recovery.
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies
Ahmed H. Mohammed; Ahmed N. Shmroukh; Nouby M. Ghazaly; Abd Elnaby Kabeel
Abstract
investigated in the weather conditions of Qena, Egypt, at a location of (Latitude: 26.16°, Longitude: 32.71°). Boosting the output of the pyramid solar still is the primary focus of the proposed strategy. To achieve this, four basins were built and integrated into the pyramid solar still, with ...
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investigated in the weather conditions of Qena, Egypt, at a location of (Latitude: 26.16°, Longitude: 32.71°). Boosting the output of the pyramid solar still is the primary focus of the proposed strategy. To achieve this, four basins were built and integrated into the pyramid solar still, with their size increasing in proportion to the surface area of the condensing glass. A 25% increase in basin area per square meter of solar still was achieved compared to conventional pyramid solar still (CPSS) with the same condensing cover area. The thermal performance and productivity of the suggested solar still were demonstrated by developing energy balance equations for temperature components and then analytically computing their solutions. The results showed compatibility between theoretical and experimental results. The highest yields for CPSS were 2524 mL/m2, and for MPSS, they were 3415 mL/m2. The stepped area enhanced the yield by 35.3% compared with CPSS. Moreover, the efficiency of CPSS and MPSS was recorded as 23.5% and 31.7%, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum yield of freshwater was obtained for the northern condensing cover, with the recorded value reaching 1174 mL/m2. Distilled water under the proposed system would cost $0.0179 per liter. Finally, the TDS and pH levels are in accordance with WHO recommendations for the quality of drinking water.
